* * * * *
After ordering dinner I said that as I was thirsty I should like to have some ale forthwith.
‘Ale you shall have, your honour,’ said Tom, ‘and some of the best ale that can be drunk. This house is famous for ale.’
‘I suppose you get your ale from Llangollen,’ said I, ‘which is celebrated for its ale over Wales.’
‘Get our ale from Llangollen?’ said Tom, with a sneer of contempt, ‘no, nor anything else. As for the ale it was brewed in this house by your honour’s humble servant.’
‘Oh,’ said I, ‘if you brewed it, it must of course be good. Pray bring me some immediately, for I am anxious to drink ale of your brewing.’
‘Your honour shall be obeyed,’ said Tom, and disappearing returned in a twinkling with a tray on which stood a jug filled with liquor and a glass. He forthwith filled the glass, and pointing to its contents said:
‘There, your honour, did you ever see such ale? Observe its colour! Does it not look for all the world as pale and delicate as cowslip wine?’
‘I wish it may not taste like cowslip wine,’ said I; ‘to tell you the truth, I am no particular admirer of ale that looks pale and delicate; for I always think there is no strength in it.’
‘Taste it, your honour,’ said Tom, ‘and tell me if you ever tasted such ale.’